Heat second-year center Kel’el Ware is averaging 16.6 points, 15.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks over his last five games. (Mandatory Credit: Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
At this time last year, Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware was scrapping and clawing for minutes in Erik Spoelstra’s rotation.
In fact, the then-rookie played a total of 47 minutes across his first eight games, not exceeding 14 minutes in any one of them. His role was far from consistent, but the 7-foot center was in the midst of the Heat’s player development behind the scenes.
The 7-foot big eventually entered the rotation in late December and won over a starting job in late January — one he didn’t relinquish. So far, after a rough start, Ware has parlayed his development into a monster stretch over the last two weeks, building confidence and, most importantly, stacking productive days.
“It gives us so much confidence,” Heat head coach Spoelstra said after Sunday’s win. “How fun was that to see Kel’el in that second quarter, rebounding everything offensively, putting them back and playing with so much more force than he was a year ago at this time.
“He’s gaining confidence. I want to be open-minded to wherever it can go. I don’t want to put a ceiling on him.
Coach Spo on Kel’el Ware recent stretch of play
“It gives us so much confidence. Playing with so much more force than he was a year ago at this time. Hes gaining confidence. I want to be open minded to wherever it can go. I dont want to put a ceiling on him”
High praise from… pic.twitter.com/fgRUXJ8t6a
— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) November 23, 2025
Why Kel’el Ware stacking days is important for Heat:
Ever since Ware was called out by Udonis Haslem after his unimpactful Nov. 14 outing against the New York Knicks — despite putting up numbers — Ware has flipped a switch.
He is averaging 16.6 points, 15.6 rebounds (5.6 offensive!!!!!) and 1.4 blocks across 52.5 percent shooting, 50.0 percent (6-12) from 3-point range and 86.7 percent (13-15) from the charity stripe.
Ware was on the precipice of his first 20-20 game in Monday’s 106-102 win over the Dallas Mavericks. The second-year center tallied 20 points (7-14 FG) and 18 rebounds, two off from tying his season high. It was his 8th game with 13 or more rebounds on the season.
That’s monstrous production.
“Man, I’m gassing him up. I’m not gonna lie to y’all,” Adebayo said after Monday’s win. “There’s been a lot of coaches yelling at him, us yelling at him, he’s got his own people in his ear — and obviously he has to think about it.
“So, being able to see what he’s doing, I’m truly proud of him. It might not be 20 (points) and 18 (rebounds) every night, but his impact now — it doesn’t matter if it’s seven points or 10 rebounds, you’re going to feel his impact. That’s what I want him to keep striving off of.”
Better yet, Ware continues to improve his discipline not only defensively, but on the glass. He’s getting better at boxing other bigs out forcefully, making extra efforts on the offensive glass and using two hands to secure rebounds.
“We just appreciate how [Kel’el Ware] walks into the building every day,” Spoelstra said. “He takes coaching, good or bad. He wants to be better for this team. He’s stacking up solid days, every day, and these days are contributing to winning.
“The way he’s rebounding right now — that’s earning more playing time. We say it all the time: Make us notice you, impact the game and eventually, make me have to play you.”
Ware is still only 21-years-old!
Should he continue to keep stacking days, the sky is the limit. It also eases plenty of pressure off Adebayo’s shoulders not only on the court, but when the three-time All-Star is off-the-court whether it’s foul trouble, or buying a couple extra minutes of rest.
Ware’s recent stretch completely changes the team’s calculus. He’s been a vacuum on the glass, a more disciplined shot-blocker, an improving long-range shooter and a dominant vertical spacer. He’s also got a smooth in-between touch in the post, where he’s nearly unblockable upon release with his standing reach.
He has all the talent in the world. But as I’ve belabored before, it’s about consistency.
And Ware has been as consistently impactful as any player on this roster, a very encouraging sign moving forward if that remains the case.
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